Students will investigate the formation of the first elements and their transformation to heavier elements in the context of stars as nuclear element factories. They will use this knowledge to explore the structure of an atom and patterns in the periodic table. Students will investigate the forces that hold matter together and how society uses its understanding of elements and molecules to develop useful materials. Students will explore the interactions of atoms and molecules as illustrated by chemical reactions. Students will investigate Earth’s atmosphere and climate system. Students will explore the factors that drive chemical and physical changes based on their understanding of elements and materials science. They will examine connections between matter and energy into and out of chemical systems, extending the concept to the movement of energy through Earth’s systems and ways humans may control these moments. Students will investigate these concepts in the context of greenhouse gases, their effect on the atmosphere, and the stability and changes of the chemistry of the ocean and other bodies of water on Earth.